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Songs that wouldn't be the same - Billy Preston

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blmeanie:
While listening to Don't Let me Down and then later to Get Back  and I've got a feeling - what if Billy Preston hadn't shown up?

OMG - what would these three songs have sounded like without him on keys?

During Get Back, before Billy, they are talking about needing someone on piano for one of these, I think it was Don't Let Me Down, but realizing they needed Paul on bass, but maybe George could do the bass, but then no guitar other than rhythm by John...they discuss getting someone else (I forget who) for keyboard (Hopkins?)

All three of these songs have tremendous keyboard parts that Billy Preston added (LIVE!) on the rooftop.  Playing live like that and not relying on overdubs created the need.

Beyond that, say they went to overdubbing (if Billy never showed) - my guess is the keyboard parts would have sounded different, right ?  Paul would have had a different take on what to put in there.

Thoughts ?

Hello Goodbye:

--- Quote from: blmeanie on February 19, 2024, 11:45:17 AM ---...they discuss getting someone else (I forget who) for keyboard (Hopkins?)

--- End quote ---


Yes, blmeanie, Nicky Hopkins was considered.  At that time he was one of Great Britain's best-known session players, particularly through his work with the Rolling Stones and after playing electric piano on The Beatles' Revolution...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGLGzRXY5Bw

...conspicuously absent in their music video.


Perhaps his Crohn's Disease kept him from working with The Beatles in January 1969.

Here's Nicky Hopkins appearing with The Spongetones in 1984...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnvcIeyJ3RA

...he's introduced at 21:50

Hey Jude   31:40

Lady Madonna  36:32

Get Back   41:23

Revolution   44:34 

Moogmodule:
I think they would have sounded very different. Billy brought that bluesy soul sound to them which really enhanced them I think. Get Back in particular he has the great solos but also that stop time where he plays a gentle descending line by himself .  Having him also probably shaped George’s rhythm playing.

Similar in Don’t Let Me down he has those nice riffs going in between lines of the chorus. Integral to the song.

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